Penn Yan, Watkins Glen receive state water grants

NEW YORK STATE--Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest action to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard drinking water supplies. The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and previously announced grants, authorizing municipal access to the capital needed to get projects started for critical drinking water and sewer projects in Finger Lakes, New York City and the Mid-Hudson and North Country regions.
"These low-cost financings and grants are the building blocks for municipalities to modernize and protect their critical water infrastructure," Hochul said.
The board's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as well as grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program.
Clean Water Project Funding Approved Locally:
• Village of Penn Yan in Yates County - $167,500 short-term interest-free financing, $132,750 WIIA grant and $132,750 CWSRF grant for disinfection improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.
Drinking Water Project Funding Approved Locally:
• Village of Watkins Glen in Schuyler County - $13,500,000 short-term interest-free financing, $3,000,000 DWSRF grant, and $2,000,000 WIIA grant for a new intake screen, new raw water pump station, new pressure filters at the water treatment plant, upgrades to existing filters and underdrains at the water treatment plant, a new approximately 500,000-gallon storage tank, existing storage tank upgrades, replacement of approximately 40,000 linear feet of water main and upgrades to the SCADA system at the water treatment plant.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "This $143 million infrastructure investment will provide cleaner, safer water, all while saving ratepayers money and creating good-paying jobs. EFC is pleased to work with our partners in state government to provide the funding that make these critical projects possible."
New York continues to increase investments in clean water infrastructure. Most recently, in the 2023 State of the State agenda, the governor committed to invest $500 million in clean water funding in the upcoming budget, bringing New York's total clean water infrastructure investment to $5 billion.
In addition, with voter approval of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act in November, there are additional levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality; strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding; reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions; restore habitats; preserve outdoor spaces and local farms; and ensure equity by investing at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of resources in disadvantaged communities.